League Report: Dundalk FC 1 - 2 Sligo Rovers

Sligo Rovers took all three points in their Good Friday encounter with Dundalk at Oriel Park courtesy of goals from Maxa Mata and substitute Stefan Radosavljevic, sandwiching Rayhaan Tulloch's strike for the home side.

Lilywhites boss Stephen O'Donnell was forced to reshuffle his pack following last weekend's defeat to Shamrock Rovers. Into the centre of the defence came Hayden Muller for Wasiri Williams with Ryan O'Kane and Johannes Yli-Kokko replacing Greg Sloggett and the suspended Robbie Benson respectively.

The visitors remained unchanged following their defeat to Bohemians, Frank Liivak continuing to deputised for the injured Johann Brannefalk while Under 19 striker Owen Elding stepped onto the senior bench in place of Cillian Heaney.

It was the westerners who first troubled the scribes as Will Fitzgerald skipped into space down the right and his low centre was netted by Max Mata for the New Zealander's 6th league strike of the campaign so far, moments after the striker had miskicked from an equally promising position.

This spurred the home side into action and they dominated possession throughout the first half but only sporadically troubling Luke McNicholas in the Bit O'Red goal. The Mayoman was searching for his first clean sheet of the campaign and showed strong hands to deny piledrivers from Ryan O'Kane and Archie Davies- meaning his goal remained intact as the first half drew to a close.

That was until Rayhaan Tulloch danced past Liivak and hit the turf after trying to do the same to John Mahon. Referee Damien McGraith awarding Dundalk their second penalty at Oriel Park this season after Arnold Hunter's decision against UCD on the opening night.

In a similar manner to Pat Hoban that night, Rayhaan Tulloch's effort was parried by the keeper. However the on loan West Bromwich Albion winger poked home the rebound to tie up proceedings at the break.

The second half saw Dundalk continue to spend more time on the ball without causing visiting centre halves Nando Pijnaker or John Mahon to overly exert themselves. In fact the closest they came to conceding was courtesy of left back Reece Hutchinson when the Englishman cut out a cross to the back post and hit the side netting.

With John Martin departing the action, Dundalk played the final period of the game without a recognised striker- the continued absence of both Cameron Elliott and Patrick Hoban meant replacement Dan Kelly was the closest senior player Dundalk had to a central attacker. Another sub, Keith Ward, also appeared in that position as Stephen O'Donnell sought a winning goal. 

Further changes included the introduction of ex Sligo Rovers defender Robbie McCourt, however it was his former teammate Greg Bolger who conjured up the winner for his fellow replacement Stefan Radosavljevic. Snuffing out a Dundalk attack in midfielder, ex Lilywhite Bolger slipped a ball into that left channel where Faroese international Radosavljevic cut inside and fired beyond Nathan Shepperd to take all three points back to The Showgrounds.

With a trip to Cork on Easter Monday, Dundalk will be looking to avoid a third league defeat in a row while Sligo travel to Tolka Park within three points of second place Derry City.

Dundalk:Nathan Shepperd; Andy Boyle, Archie Davies, Darragh Leahy, Hayden Muller; Alfie Lewis, Connor Malley, Ryan O'Kane (Daniel Kelly 61), Johannes Yli-Kokko (Greg Sloggett 61); John Martin (Keith Ward 75), Rayhaan Tulloch (Robbie McCourt 86).

Subs not used: Mark Byrne, Peter Cherrie, Wasiri Williams, Anthony Moyo, Eoin Kenny.

Booked: Hayden Muller (59).

Sent off: None.

Sligo Rovers:Luke McNicholas; Reece Hutchinson, John Mahon, Nando Pijnaker; Lukas Browning, William Fitzgerald, Frank Liivak, Niall Morahan (Greg Bolger 78), Bogdan Vastsuk (Stefan Radosavljevic 68); Fabrice Hartmann (Kailin Barlow 78), Max Mata.

Subs not used: Richard Brush, Éanna Clancy, Daniel Lafferty, James Finnerty, David Cawley, Owen Elding.

Booked: Bogdan Vastsuk (56), Niall Morahan (58), Kailin Barlow (90).

Sent off: None.

Referee: Damien McGraith

Attendance: 2457

extratime.com Player of the Match: William Fitzgerald